Interview with Hasmik Daniel
In today’s dynamic business landscape, where adaptability and emotional intelligence have become as vital as strategy and profit, few leaders stand out as true catalysts of transformation. Among them is Hasmik Daniel, a visionary leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Hasmik Daniel Leadership & Innovation. From her early corporate journey to becoming an internationally accredited NLP trainer and executive coach, Hasmik’s story is one of courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking human potential. In this exclusive interview with UAE Times, she shares her milestones, motivations, and insights on building organizations that lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.
Can you share key milestones and turning points in your journey as an industry leader or entrepreneur?
One major milestone in my journey was transitioning from a senior leadership role in the corporate world to launching my own leadership and coaching business. I had always envisioned creating something that would impact lives and organizations; however, clarity came when I experienced coaching first-hand. During a five-day leadership training, the trainer told me, “I see both the coach and trainer in you.” That one sentence shifted my entire path.
Around the same time, in 2008, I was accepted into an MBA program at Stanford. That milestone marked my deeper immersion into the world of coaching and leadership. Another defining moment came 13 years ago when I officially started coaching. It was a personal turning point that led me to study the human mind and behavior through neuro-linguistic programming, training with several respected schools in the USA. Today, I lead three companies in Lebanon, UAE, and Armenia—with a growing presence across the Gulf, Levant, and USA.
What inspired you to start your own company or venture in this industry?
My inspiration was rooted in both passion and purpose. In my corporate leadership roles, I witnessed how much untapped potential existed in teams—often due to lack of development, coaching, or vision. When I discovered coaching, it was like unlocking a language I had always spoken intuitively. What truly inspired me was the ability to make a difference—helping individuals shift their perspectives, discover their strengths, and reframe their challenges. Reframing, to me, is one of the most powerful skills anyone can master. That’s why I committed to building a company that delivers measurable growth and deep, sustainable change.
How do you foster innovation within your company? Can you provide an example of a successful innovation initiative?
Innovation for me starts with listening—to HR managers, C-suite executives, and teams on the ground. Every program we deliver is co-created with the client; nothing is one-size-fits-all. One of the most impactful initiatives I’ve led is the creation of my own Leadership Coaching Program—a nine-month immersive experience (six months in class and three months of practice) designed specifically for leaders and managers. Participants study directly with me to develop coaching skills that allow them to lead with clarity, empathy, and accountability.
Another innovation I’m proud of is putting Armenia on the global NLP map. I became the first accredited NLP Trainer to officially represent Armenia in 2022 in the International NLP Federation—opening the door for global recognition and impact.
As a certified Hogan Assessor, I also integrate data-driven insights into executive coaching and leadership development programs. Additionally, I created “Lazer Trainings”—short, high-impact modules designed to deliver immediate ROI in areas like decision-making, resilience, and adaptability. These programs have been successfully implemented across banks, telecom, and tech companies in the region.
How do you attract and retain top talent in your organization?
Attracting talent starts with values alignment. I bring people on board who share our core values of integrity, growth, and purpose. I see my team as partners in growth—we work together with mutual trust, collaboration, and shared ownership. I actively involve them in brainstorming, decision-making, and shaping our services. This sense of inclusion fuels purpose and long-term commitment. People stay where their voices are heard and where their ideas matter.
How important has mentorship and networking been in your professional journey?
Mentorship has been foundational. I am grateful for key mentors who shaped my journey: Mr. Mihran Tenkerian, my former CEO, who believed in my leadership; Dr. John Maxwell, whose values-based leadership model inspired me; and Dr. William Horton, who deepened my understanding of NLP and human behavior.
Today, I pay it forward by mentoring women leaders, young professionals, and emerging coaches. Mentorship is about belief and transformation—not just guidance. Networking has also been crucial; it has opened doors to global opportunities and allowed me to connect with like-minded leaders who inspire and challenge me to grow.
How do you assess and mitigate risks in your business?
I assess risk through a strategic lens—considering both immediate and long-term impact. I stay close to the field, constantly gathering insights from HR leaders, market trends, and client feedback. Contingency planning and agility are key.
That said, I believe risk is necessary. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in my journey came when I took bold, uncertain steps. Without risk, there is no growth. We don’t just manage risks—we embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate.
How do you adapt your business strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities and industry shifts?
Adaptability is embedded in everything I do—it’s in my DNA. The business landscape is evolving rapidly, and to stay competitive, I invest significantly in continuous learning, certifications, and professional development. Each client engagement and coaching session is an opportunity for learning. Every individual brings a new perspective, and this diversity teaches me more than any textbook ever could.
Feedback is also essential. After every engagement, I review what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved. This ongoing reflection ensures that our strategies remain relevant and effective.
Also Read: From Struggles to Success: Sarah Alkahery’s Mission to Support Arab Women Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs in this industry? What key lessons have you learned along the way?
Know your why. Let your values guide your actions. Don’t chase quick wins—focus on building a strong foundation. Authenticity and trust are everything. People don’t just buy services—they invest in people they believe in.
Be flexible—especially when working across cultures. Adapt your communication and leadership approach without losing your core identity.
What are your long-term goals for your company? How do you plan to remain competitive in the evolving business landscape?
My vision is to make Hasmik Daniel Leadership & Innovation a regional benchmark for transformational leadership and coaching. I aim to expand our accredited certifications, enhance our digital learning platforms, and collaborate with universities to embed leadership into educational curriculums.
I also strive to reshape the training industry in the region—moving away from generic workshops to solution-oriented, ROI-driven programs. Leaders don’t need theory; they need transformation. My goal is to bring that change—one leader, one organization, and one success story at a time.
Editorial Closing:
From redefining leadership paradigms to creating innovative learning models, Hasmik Daniel exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact of empowering others to reach their fullest potential. As she continues to expand her global footprint, Hasmik’s mission remains clear—to inspire, transform, and elevate the way the world leads.
— Interview featured by UAE Times
